Shillong, July 23: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Thursday extended its support to the ongoing nationwide protests at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, while questioning the Meghalaya Government’s silence on the issue.
Addressing the media in Shillong, VPP spokesperson Dr. A. Rani said the party stands in solidarity with students and citizens across the country who are peacefully demanding accountability, transparency and justice.
He said the issue goes beyond the alleged NEET irregularities and concerns the need to protect public institutions from corruption, nepotism and political interference while safeguarding the future of millions of students.
“The Voice of the People Party extends its wholehearted support to the peaceful protesters. This movement is about ensuring transparency, fairness and protecting the interests of the youth,” Dr. Rani said.
The VPP spokesperson also expressed concern over reports of alleged police action against protesters in the national capital. Citing media reports, he claimed that several demonstrators were lathi-charged, tear-gassed and injured, with some reportedly requiring hospitalisation.
Wishing those injured a speedy recovery, Dr. Rani said peaceful and constitutional protests on genuine public issues should be met with dialogue rather than force.
He further stated that the VPP has consistently advocated for insulating key public institutions from corruption and political influence, adding that the concerns raised by the protesters align with the party’s long-standing commitment to transparency and institutional integrity.
Questioning the Meghalaya Government’s silence, Dr. Rani urged Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and the MDA Government to clarify their position on the issue.
“At a time when students are protesting in the national capital and facing police action, we expect the State Government to speak up. Instead, it has chosen to remain silent,” he said.
He also questioned whether the government’s silence suggested indifference towards the future of the youth or reflected undue deference to the Centre.
Referring to recent media reports, Dr. Rani further criticised remarks allegedly made by a leader of one of the MDA coalition partners against the protesters. He said that if the reported comments were accurate, they reflected a disturbing attitude towards students exercising their democratic right to protest peacefully.
He maintained that the people of Meghalaya deserve a clear response from the State Government on an issue that directly affects students and the credibility of the country’s education system.
